Issue link: https://www.balharbourdigital.com/i/111120
MORE THAN A MUSE As a creative consultant for Prada and Miu Miu, not to mention creative director of Garage Magazine and a front row fixture, Shala Monroque has some serious fashion flex. BY STELLA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELANIE GALEA On any given day in Brooklyn, you may find fashion starlet Shala Monroque strolling down Flatbush Avenue clad in a chic Prada sheath, grocery bags in hand. The creative consultant behind Prada and Miu Miu and creative director of Garage Magazine is a St. Lucia native who has risen to the very top of New York���s fashion hierarchy. But, despite her frequent travels between Milan, Paris and London, this jet-setter���s core sense of style remains rooted in her colorful Caribbean upbringing. Here, Monroque shares her top looks, her favorite New York haunts and tips on where to go to get a little taste of island life in the big city. How would you describe your personal style? I would say my style is classic with just a bit of an edge. Prada, Miu Miu and Balenciaga are my go-to designers. What���s on your current wish list for the Spring? I particularly love Givenchy���s plexi-and-wood pumps, Balenciaga���s rings and tiaras, as well as their high-waisted trousers. Oh and Jil Sander. I just love the whole collection. I���ve also been eyeing the tie-dye mink coats from Miu Miu and some pieces from Prada���s Japanese-inspired collection. What would you say is a must-have for any woman in NYC? I think the iPad mini is great; I love reading the paper and it fits into a small purse. 82 BAL HARBOUR And in your purse right now? I always have my blue Valextra business card holder (which doubles as a credit card holder). Also, my iPhone and Laura Mercier mini body lotion. How do you spend your free time? Any favorite spots in the city you frequent? I���m pretty much a homebody, I absolutely love having friends over, cooking and drinking wine while yapping until the sun comes up. When I���m not doing that, you can find me having dinner at Indochine, or Miss Lily���s. I try to catch up on movies as it���s good to know how Hollywood is affecting the global psyche. I love going to the Met, The New Museum and MoMA. In the springtime, Brooklyn Botanic Garden is also spectacular. Any recent exhibitions that have been particularly memorable? Actually, one of the most memorable collections I recently saw was in Berlin. I visited the Bunker, which houses the collection of Christian and Karen Boros. One artist whose work I loved and that really stuck with me is Alicja Kwade. With being so far removed from your home in St. Lucia, is there anywhere you go to remedy homesickness? Miss Lily���s! The reggae music just swoops me right back to my childhood and I���m so happy that I don���t live too far from it. And then there���s grocery shopping on Flatbush Avenue! BH